September 2017 master most final

Northridge High School 2901 Northridge Road Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406

est. 2003

THE SEPTEMBER 2017

NORTH RI D GE

www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com

REPORTER

The student est.voice 2003of Northridge High School

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 1

New gym allows students to get home earlier MAYCI HARTLEY SPORTS EDITOR

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Photo by Rebecca Han

TOTALITY ONCE IN A LIFETIME (From Left) Seniors Cameron Crouse, Wil Charles, and Sarah Guo observe the eclipse.

Students and teachers experience historical solar eclipse

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It felt like time had STOPPED... it was just BEAUTIFUL.

“I was waiting for days on it,” Todd said. “I did not get the permission form [to go see the eclipse]. My grandmother wrote a note, but I forgot to give it to the teacher, and I forgot I even had it. When I asked the teacher if I could go outside and see the eclipse, he said no. And when he said no, I just got up and walked out of the classroom. I wasn’t going to miss it for [anything]. I was [thinking], the next time it happens, I might not even be alive, so I’m about to go see this even though I’m not supposed to.”

Todd did not have a pair of the standard safety glasses to view the eclipse, so he simply borrowed others’.

“I just kind of mooched off of everybody,” Todd said. “I was just walking up to random students and being like, ‘Hey, can I borrow those glasses real quick?

Awesome man, you’re awesome! You’re in history man, that’s awesome!’ and then I’d go up to the next student [and do the same thing].”

Todd described the profound effect that the eclipse had on him, and he stressed the historical value of getting to see it in person.

“It felt like time had stopped,” Todd said. “Even though it didn’t get too dark outside, when you could see [the eclipse], it was just beautiful. You could see just barely the side of the sun, and it felt like it just shocked you with energy - like you just died and came back to life. I got to see something that a lot of people have never seen before, and I get to one day tell my family about it. I would love to go and see it again.”

AT A GLANCE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

page 7 TAYLOR SWIFT REVIEW

page 3

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There’s no reason you can’t have a business. Everyone’s like, ‘well, I couldn’t do that,’ but it’s just their mind holding them back.

TRISTAN COLLINS, SENIOR

See story on PAGE 4

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the eclipse] was weird, and you can understand why people in past history just freaked out because it’s very different,” Of the phenomenon that came along with the solar eclipse, Smith enjoyed one N AUG. 21, students and faccommon effect in particular. ulty went outside to look at “The patterns on the ground that you the first nationwide solar could see particularly on blankets that eclipse in 99 years. were spread out [especialMany Northridge teachly interested me] because ers let their students out there was an impressionist into the courtyard to watch artist who did a painting the partial eclipse on Monof that, and to me, that’s day. Jessie Joiner, senior, super impressive because and French teacher, Caroit only lasted two minutes lyn Smith, and Josh Ellis, - so to actually rememfreshman, traveled to Tenber that in your head and nessee where the total solar paint it takes some serious eclipse was visible artistic brainwork,” “I saw totality for the first time JACKSON TODD, SOPHOMORE Smith said.

Along with ever,” Smith said.

Smith was Josh Ellis, who convinced his “I really went to just go be with my family, so [the eclipse] wasn’t something that family to travel to Tennessee, and got to I was crazy about - but after I saw it, I view the total solar eclipse as well. “[We saw the totality] - the complete understood why people go nuts and go travel all of the world to go see it because blocking of the sun,” Ellis said. “It started as a flash in what looks like a ‘wedding it was spectacular.”

Smith had seen pictures of the eclipse, ring’ to astronomers. As darkness fell, evand in years past, viewed partial eclipses eryone started hooting and hollering at of the sun, but the experience she had the sheer beauty of it all. The sky grew Monday was one that could not be rep- dark, like a late night sky...I felt during those 2 minutes a sense of awe that I don’t licated.

“The pictures that are taken can’t real- think can ever be replicated in any way.”

Meanwhile, at Northridge, several ly capture [seeing the eclipse in person],” students were allowed to view the solar Smith said. “What it really looked like was that the sun was black, but there eclipse with its maximum totality being was a silver light all the way around it. It 90 percent. Jackson Todd, sophomore, was like a 360 degree sunset. It was pret- had long anticipated the eclipse, and did ty incredible. The general response [to whatever he could to see it.

WILL MCLELLAND MANAGING EDITOR

oaches and athletes are hoping the new additional gym will allow student athletes to get home at a reasonable time after many late nights last year. Coach Bob Brantley believes it will help students get more rest. He said, “It will half our time up here; it’ll get all these children home earlier- that’s the big thing.”

With the addition of the gym, athletes will be able to practice during the school day. “Having two gyms allows the teams to start practicing during school or right after and not run so late,” Principal Kyle Ferguson said. While athletes like Jackson Wilkin are “thanking God” for getting out at a better time, Coach Brantley does not believe it will be as helpful as some do. “We are still going to get out late, but starting at 4:30 is a lot better than 6:30,” Brantley said.

While the first team that will reap the full benefits is basketball, the volleyball team is ready to have it for next season. Coach Kathleen Oatts said, “We’re really going to be able to enjoy it next season because it’ll be done at the end or after our season. When there’s multiple things going on like pep rallies, we can still practice.”

The new gym will allow for volleyball tournaments to be held at Northridge and get everyone home. “If we want to host a volleyball tournament we can,” Ferguson said. “We can have as many as four games going at once. This will keep tournaments from running late in the evening keeping from getting into people’s study time and home time. With this we can run concurrent events and get everyone home at a reasonable time.” Oatts is excited for the growing facilities. “It will provide us the opportunity to hold tournaments,” she said. “By having the extra gym, the tournament possibilities are way more manageable.”

Ferguson said that the new gym will have several purposes. “It provides an extra facility if we have an outside team that needs to practice inside due to inclement weather,” Ferguson said.

“It’s also a great venue for us to assemble. It’s also a really good venue for us to test when we have large groups testing like AP or PSAT testing, now we have a separate facility to cut the bells off and there won’t be any traffic out there.” Oatts also believes it is important to have space for all teams. “With a school this large, it is important to have space available for all teams that would need it,” she said. The common agreement among all athletes and coaches is that they’re “pretty pumped about it.”

OUR THOUGHTS New attendance policy hopefully helpful

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he Tuscaloosa City Schools’ HERE program was launched a couple of years ago to combat dismal attendance figures. The philosophy was a simple one: you cannot learn if you aren’t, well, here.

An additional clause implemented this year linking absences with activities like prom and even graduation certainly sets the stakes much higher.

Past incentives for attendance pale in comparison to the chips of school dances now on the table.

The allotment of five days of excused absences and no unexcused absences, however, may present a problem for students who frequently travel with their families. Many

who used formerly lax attendance enforcement to travel or participate in extracurricular programs might be forced to adapt their schedules. Upperclassmen, particularly seniors, face heavy repercussions for excessive absences. According to administrators, attendance was worst last year among seniors, due to factors like that notorious “senior-itis.”

Though the new policies may be hindering to some, it is our ultimate hope that overall attendance will improve. HERE’s self-evident mantra loses no worth for its seemingly stating the obvious. The basis of education is presence; the absence of teachers or students results in the absence of learning.

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THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2017

staff members...

AGREE.....9 DISAGREE.....0

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The basis of education is PRESENCE; the absence of teachers or students results in the absence of learning.

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OPINION

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Want to submit YOUR letter to the editor? Stop by room 109, or contact one of our editors or Mrs. Lane!

Art by Rebecca Han

est. 2003

THE NORTH RI D G E REPORTER The student voice of Northridge High School

est. 2003

Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 759-3734 ext. 295 Managing Editor Will McLelland Feature Editor Rebecca Han Sports Editor Mayci Hartley News Editor Will McLelland

Entertainment Editor Sara Lang Opinion Editor Emily Matthews Copy Editor Reshu Chandra

Opinion disclaimer: The opinions in The Northridge Reporter are those of the students and not of the faculty or administration of Northridge High School or the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education.

Advertising and subscriptions: Contact The Northridge Reporter at (205) 759-3734 ext. 295 or rlane@tusc.k12. al.us to advertise in or subscribe to our paper.

Art Editor Rebecca Han Social Media Editor Mayci Hartley & Sara Lang

Letters to the editor: It is the policy of The Northridge Reporter to publish all non-obscene, non-libelous, signed letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. Submit letters to Rhonda Lane in room 109 or email to rlane@tusc.k12.al.us.

The Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and verify allegations. The newspaper is distributed monthly.

Rhonda Lane, Adviser Rebecca Han, Editor-in-Chief Visit us online at northridgereporter.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter @NHSReporter Follow us on Instagram @northridgereporter Visit our Facebook page, ‘The Northridge Reporter, 2015-16’ Check out our YouTube channel, ‘The Northridge Reporter’ See our paper ONLINE at issuu.com, ‘The Northridge Reporter’

ENTERTAINMENT

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2017

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“WE ALL FLOAT DOWN HERE...”

Latest adaptation of ‘It’ weaves 80s nostalgia with modern horror REBECCA HAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“What are you afraid of ?”

Photo from Slash

The long-awaited adaptation of Stephen King’s 1986 horror novel “It” concerning a homicidal, child-eating clown-demon is finally here, and for the most part, it delivers on the hype. Director Andrés Muschietti of “Mama” fame deftly weaves 80s era childhood nostalgia with grisly monster scares, resulting in an immensely entertaining horror fare, even if some moments fall flat.

“It’s” most valuable and fun-to-watch asset is its ragtag gang of foulmouthed misfits, reminiscent of “Stand by Me” or “The Goonies”, who bring a genuine heart to the story. Members of the self-proclaimed “Losers’ Club” range from obsessive hypochondriac Eddie Kaspbrak ( Jack Dylan Grazer) to feisty, fearless, and gossip-plagued Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis). Hilarious one-liners often punctuate tense moments, providing excellent moments of levity among “It”’s many horrors.

Bill Skarsgard does a fine job succeeding Tim Curry in the shoes of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, with a laugh just manic enough to be unnerving. The 2017 incarnation seems incrementally more unhinged and, in a way, more human - subtle changes in vocal pitch, abrupt interjections, and sudden moments of eerie silence sometimes create the impression of a madman grasping for control rather than an omniscient, incomprehensibly malicious being. Adding to this impression are his doll-like face, large, searching eyes, and protruding buck teeth. There’s the traditional bag of modern horror tricks here, computer generated body horror and jump scares among them; like most movies of “It’s” ilk, though, they become increasingly tired as the story progresses. But of course, Pennywise in all his mad glory is truly a terrifying sight to behold.

Alongside “It’’s supernatural scares are the more human villains, no less dastardly. There’s the usual psychopathic school bully, the abusive father, and the onlookers who’d rather turn a blind eye than trouble themselves. It seems that adults in Derry, when not publicly humiliating their children, are silently watching kids torment their youngers. As a result, the bond between the kids is especially highlighted; the most comforting scenes, for both the audience and the characters, are those when the whole crew is together. “Adults are the real monsters,” writes author Stephen King, something the kids of “It” won’t soon forget.

Overall, “It” is a solid addition to Stephen King’s cinematic stock, classics like “The Shining” and Brian De Palma’s “Carrie” already ranked among them. It doesn’t add anything particularly new or go beyond the mold in any filmmaking fronts, but it doesn’t need to - the movie succinctly tells the story of a gang of children in a small Maine town, struggling with forces far greater than they are and more evil than they can understand.

THE DANCING CLOWN Killer clown Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard, above) peeks from above water.

Taylor Swift’s latest release leaves little hope for album to get revenge on all those who have wronged her in the past, while expressing no such intentions through her vocal performance. The snake-themed posts on her social media led us to believe that the track was going to be poisonous, Young country star turned international pop sensation yet the lyrics simply lacked venom. Repetition of certain Taylor Swift will reward her fans with a new album after a lyrics in pop music is almost inevitable, but one thing three-year-long wait. The album, titled “Reputation,” will Swift used to be able to do is make the inevitable enterbe released on Nov. 10 with the first single of the album, taining and catchy, which she failed to do in this particular “Look What You Made Me Do,” premiering on YouTube track. In comparison to her earlier work as both a singer on Aug. 25, sparking a debate amongst fans worldwide on and a songwriter, “Look What You Made Me Do” lacks whether the wait was worth it. depth, emotion and a theme listeners can empathize with.

The singer is known for exploring many different genres Of course, even with all the negative points to the track, it and styles, starting off with country recordings in Nashville doesn’t fail to present Swift as a first class entertainer. She and moving on to the bigger, more competitive pop music gives the audience an interesting musical piece and lets scene after proving herself to be a serious player. Still, I them decide on the worth of her product, hopefully ready don’t believe that her attempt to cross over to an edgier to apply all the criticism to her future work. way of expressing her opinions was worth dropping the I would like to state that I am not one of those people image she’s established which made her one of the most who would lose all faith in a musician because of one disbeloved musicians of our time. appointing song and therefore will certainly give “ReputaWith “Look What You Made Me Do,” Swift wanted to tion” a chance to redeem itself for not having an impressive show her growth, strength and confidence, but miserably first track. Taylor Swift has managed to make a name for failed to do so. She sings “I got smarter/I got harder” while herself in the industry and has been hitting the right spot only sounding bitter and not one bit empowered. She wants with her music over and over again, which is exactly why us to think that those events enraged her enough to shine it would make no sense to not award her with a chance to a light on them in a song. She claims that defeat made her show us the quality that she is capable of producing. bury the old Taylor and then “rise from the dead,” looking

PETRA ZLATKOVIC STAFF WRITER

(From top) Photos by Big Machine Records and Daily Telegraph

LOOK WHAT YOU MADE HER DO Taylor Swift unveils a newer, edgier style.

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FEATURE

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2017

ENTREPRENEURS

THE

OF

NORTHRIDGE

REBECCA HAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

THE EVER EXPANDING DOMAIN of mass tools like the Internet has created a world where anyone, no matter the age, can affect social change. Freshman Sharaven McKanney hopes to become such an agent through simple acts of kindness.

Growing up watching her mother and sister sometimes go without left an indelible effect on McKanney. “When I was little, I always wanted to help others because my mom didn’t have much,” she said. “I wanted someone to help my mom and sisters.”

She hopes to launch a care package business and fill backpacks with t-shirts, baby wipes, non-perishables, and other such necessities often taken for granted.

“I want to give it [bags] to people that need it,” McKanney said.

She recounted a sometimes troublesome freshman year; it was during this time, however, that she was shown clips from a movie that impressed upon her the values of kindness. In it, a pacifist soldier comes to the aid of those who formerly mocked and persecuted him.

“This was in a movie,” she said. “When he went to war, he didn’t touch a gun, and it was so bad they beat him.

He was still helping everyone, though. He saved a lot of people.

Her motivations also arise from a desire to promote unity, especially among those of different races. “This man would always play his clips about black people, what we went through, and how white people treated us,” McKanney said. “I want us to all come together.”

At just 14, she’s learned an invaluable lesson: “no matter what anybody did to you, they still deserve your help.”

McKanney’s idea is simple yet timely, requiring neither a booming metropolis location nor large-scale mobilization to become reality. Her most vital materials are the bare necessities, items like snack bars, beverages, clothing, and of course, a backpack/knapsack. She hopest to get the project off the ground first in Tuscaloosa, possibly expanding to nearby locales like Birmingham in the future.

No matter its future scope, however, McKanney’s creed remains straightforward.

“I just want to help somebody,” she said. “I just want to give back.

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I

T’S A FUTURE in which a “civilization of anthropomorphic animals are trying to survive in our world” while “demons from hell are sponsoring various politicians.” It’s the world of senior Ian Burnette’s ongoing comic book series A History of the Future.

Burnette has been authoring comic stories since his elementary school years - the catalog of his vivid original characters spans a thick sheaf of papers. His self-described “magnum opus,” however, is the aforementioned series, which includes such characters as hero Jack Foxface.

He first began inventing characters and plots as an escape from frequent rebukes by adults.

“I first came up with these stories to avoid being yelled at,” Burnette said. “Later I realized my plans on making a series.”

He doesn’t necessarily see his stories being mass produced for a wider audience, at least not in the near future.

Though interested in business to a certain extent, the main drives behind his creative pursuits are not at all monetary.

The tales of Jack Foxface, in fact, contain poignant messages about religion and government, and draw heavily on Burnette’s own Scot-Irish heritage.

“The money is a secondary thing,” he said. “My primary thing is that we don’t need to be religious zealots to be able to go to God.” Burnette’s creative process has not come without its own difficulties, sometimes hindering his artistic abilities.

“These really big challenges having autism allowed me to

As just teenagers, these students are beginning their ventures into business pursuits. One wants to start a homeless care package service, one is creating comic books, one is building custom PCs, and the rest have a t-shirt company off the ground.

come up with these ideas,” he said. “It hinders my coordination and makes it hard to deal with starting a business.”

An additional obstacle is one that he sees as most threatening to his creative freedom: censorship. In today’s increasingly frenzied political landscape, Burnette is especially wary of establishment powers who may find his works unseemly. Alarmed by the advent of figures like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who openly espouses socialism, he’s ready to work hard to ensure that his “anti-government, anarcho-capitalist” message will not be drowned out.

“I kind of dedicated the parts of my story that are anti communist to my uncle, who fought in Vietnam,” Burnette said. “It’s bad enough that he had to deal with communism...thanks to Antifa it’s happening on my side of the world.”

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OR ACTIVITIES LIKE video gaming, nothing beats the personal computer (PC). However, their prices, often numbering in the hundreds and thousands, can render them impractical and inaccessible. Freshman Charles Christopher Ball’s venture is personally building and selling PCs - at a fraction of the cost.

“I know how to build them at a very similar or even better quality for a whole lot less money,” he said.

Daunting as the construction process might seem to novices, Ball’s first teachers were “about a million different YouTube channels.” He was 13 when he built his first computer. In December 2016, he completed his own hand-built PC using a few year’s savings of money. While hunting for suitable parts, Ball happened a discovery: his hand built PCs could be obtained at far better prices than at stores like Best Buy. “I decided to build them so other people could reap the benefits too,” he said. “I think I would als make more money from it than from, say odd jobs.”

Factors like his young age make “finding customers is a bit difficult.” Ball, however, remains determined to find a spot in the market.

“Knowing that I can help myself while also helping others motivates me,” he said. “It ends up being a good experience for both the consumer and the seller.”

Customization is a key advantage of building a PC as opposed to buying one; users can select parts to accommodate a wide variety of uses while simplifying the troubleshooting process if a problem does later arise. “DIY” manufacturers like Ball can install the preferred components without the costs that companies like Microsoft incur by buying parts from premium manufacturers.

“It would be like a commission basis,” he said. “So long as they are within a one-hour radius, I could deliver to them myself, maybe after school or on the weekends.”

S

OUTHERN GARMENT BRANDS have seemingly become every bit a regional staple as grits or hush puppies. A quick memory scan of such labels turns up names like Southern Shirt Company, Southern Fried Cotton, Vineyard Vines, Southern Marsh, Southern Proper…

To that register, add one more: Catfish Cove. It’s perhaps the one closest to home: its first owners are three enterprising Northridge seniors: Tristan Collins, Max French, and Jacob Stephens.

The brand’s title was born out of a classroom joke by founder Tristan Collins and a classmate. Throw any two Southern words, together, he jested, and you have a clothing label. Southern Charm. Cotton Creek. Catfish Cove.

“I was thinking about things,” Collins said. “Originally it was going to be called Southern Skies, but that sounds kind of weird, so I changed it to Catfish Cove. From then on, it’s stuck.”

“Living in a college town is kind of like a gold mine for southern clothing,” said French.

Collins’ interest in business has been long-standing, even

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E C F th hat in the ri plethora of shirt comp Southern Ti ern Fried C more. A q brainstormin in AP U.S. H the christeni

if just to be financially independent. It was around that philosophy - that financial security doesn’t necessarily require some groundbreaking enterprise - that Collins centered his thinking.

“I’ve been reading a lot of books about business,” he said. “I think that today, you don’t have to start some insanely special business that’s going to change the world to be financially stable. There’s no reason you can’t have a business. Everyone’s like, ‘well, I couldn’t do that,’ but it’s just their mind holding them back.”

With that in mind, Collins decided, simply, that, “I’m going to own my own business, and nobody can tell me that I can’t.”

His beginnings consisted of small designs and word of mouth, but still, he lacked “direction.” Classmates Jacob Stephens and Max French wanted to join and invest, respectively, though French would later “join the team” himself.

The trio clicked, according to Collins. “Max is good with business, and Jacob is good with marketing, and I’m just me,” he said.

Instrumental in jump-starting the project was, fittingly, local store The Shirt Shop, where they garnered some key industry lessons.

“The biggest thing is...talking to the owner to get some insight into how the industry works,” said French.

Thus far, their biggest hurdle thus far has been the staggering cost of seemingly everything; their business expenses already number upward of $2,000. Though expected, the sheer enormity of the cost has been, in short, confounding.

“It’s a lot,” Collins said, exchanging exhausted looks with his colleagues. “When you think of a little shirt business, you wouldn’t think that it costs that much, but we’ve already easily put in $2,000 and we have a lot to go.”

“They say you have to lose money to gain money, but... it’s a lot more money than you think.” Stephens said.

“That’s the biggest hurdle so far,” French agreed. “We’re in high school, so we’ve been working on it for a year at most, so it’s hard to get it started.”

Once in motion, they hope set aside a certain amount of profit for local charities. “We’re going to donate a certain amount of our sales so starting in January,” French said.

“We’ll take a poll to see what charities people want to donate to.”

In the coming months, they hope to produce t-shirts for some on Northridge’s vast club roster and are already in talks with Key Club, French Club, Yearbook, and more.

“We might be printing around a couple of clubs around the school starting in January,” French said.

Though it’s often an uphill battle, Collins is grateful for the learning opportunities the pursuit affords him. “It’s taught me a lot about time management and business in general,” he said. ‘I’d rather fail now than fail when I’m like, thirty.”

Since the writing of this story, management at Catfish Cove has undergone some changes. Jacob Stephens is no longer a part of the organization, while senior Jake Ellis is now the company’s Chief Financial Officer.

Catfish Cove products can be purchased by contacting French, Ellis, or Collins.

If you wish to support Catfish Cove, visit their GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/catfishcove

FEATURE

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2017

E FOUNDERS: Catfish Cove

ENIORS Tristan Collins and Max French are hrowing their ing with the f Southern panies like ide, SouthCotton, and quick name ng session History led to ing of “Catfish

Cove,” a name that Collins says, “just stuck.”

The entrepreneurs have started an online fundraiser through GoFundMe, hoping to use the donations to fund “website design, printing materials, and advertising.”

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LEFT Senior Ian Burnette.

Photo by Emily Matthews

BELOW (From left to right)Max French, Jake Ellis, and Tristan Collins, Photos by Emily Matthews

MEET IAN

BURNETTE COMIC BOOK ARTIST

LEFT Senior Ian Burnette’s original character, Jack Foxface.

RIGHT Freshman Charles Christopher Ball.

Photo by Emily Matthews

MEET

CHARLES CHRISTOPHER BALL CUSTOM PC BUILDING

LEFT Freshman Sharaven McKanney.

Photo by Emily Matthews

Casual/Low-Spec E-Sports PC

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Entry to 1080p PC

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Starter’s General Purpose PC

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1440 BEAST/4K entry

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MEET

SHARAVEN MCKANNEY CARE PACKAGE DELIVERY

“

No matter what anybody did to you,THEYSTILLDESERVEYOUR HELP...I just want to help somebody. I just want to give back.

$300.00

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NEWS

THE LONG AND SKINNY OF IT INFORMATION COMPILED BY GRACIE LANG AND SARA LANG INFOGRAPHICS DESIGNED BY REBECCA HAN

S

TUDENTS REACT to this year’s new “zero period” scheduling. Overall, 0 period is seen by students as a helpful period, but confusing in a way.

Most students especially did not like it being called “0 period”, as it confuses them and makes it seem like 1st period is actually 2nd.

Others also think that 0 period would be better in the afternoon or middle of the day, but some like it in the morning so they can complete any homework needed.

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O YOU LIKE “ZERO PERIOD” PLACED IN THE MORNING?

YES 27 NO 13

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2017

NO SCHOOL, NO DIPLOMA Missing graduation, prom among penalties for excessive absences

(“Have Everyone Ready to Educate”) was attendance more seriously. Among those developed to combat “chronic absence” hoping to see positive change is counselor and “poor attendance” across Lynsey Vickery, who feels the new policies the district, according to are necessary to ensure student success.

EW ACADEMIC the Tuscaloosa City Schools “I think there was such a significant policies this year carwebsite. problem with attenry heavier punishments for I think it [the new policy] dance that they had The campaign students whose unexcused absences cites the will help attendance because to do something to exceed five per semester. Ofapproxessentially make stufenders may be “denied course imate I believe most students want dents come to school credit and or participation the opportunity to attend and make them more in major school activities, (i.e. sports participation, dances as well as GO TO accountable,” she said.

“It becomes such a induction ceremonies, GRADUATION. big problem too, just including prom, gradua ripple effect, with ation exercises, etc.) by LYNSEY VICKERY, COUNSELOR makeup work.” the principal,” accord84,738 days of Attendance rates in past years, recounts ing to this year’s Tusmissed instruc- Vickery, have been, in short, “pretty awful.” caloosa City Schools’ tion resulting in the “Frankly, I don’t think we’re doing stuCode of Conduct.

2013-2014 school dents any favors having such a lenient atAbsences may be year due to the num- tendance policy,” she said. excused if appropriate ber of absences.

Senior Natasha Szulczewski feels that parent excuse notes are Students who miss the policies will benefit “present” and delivered within three school will be given hard-working students while creating new days of the student’s five days after their incentives for attendance. return to school. Stureturn to request “I think it [the new policy] will help atdents are each allotted makeup work. Tardies, tendance because I believe most students five such excused abcounted by each period, want the opportunity to attend dances as sences throughout the will result in discipline in well as go to graduation,” she said. course of the year. Any accordance with the Code “I’m hopeful that it improves,” Vickery further absences will require of Conduct if exceeding said. “The other thing is, when y’all leave notes from either a doctor or three. us, when you have a job or go to college, a court official.

With events such as you’re going to have to have good attenThe policies come followand dance as well. It’s a disservice to you all.” ing years of abysmal Photos courtesy of freeiconspng.com and brighton.ac.uk graduation prom on the line, Her words of wisdom? attendance rates in the “Come to school.” city system. In 2014, the HERE program school officials hope that students will take REBECCA HAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Ferguson to press criminal charges for fights on campus 25

25 15 Thumb Icons by Yo! Baba from Noun Project

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HOULD WE CUT “ZERO PERIOD” COMPLETELY?

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WILL MCLELLAND MANAGING EDITOR

Principal Kyle Ferguson has started a non-official school policy that will press criminal charges on students that engage in physical violence on campus.

“It is against the law to assault someone,” Ferguson said.

[Fighting] disrupts the whole orderly educational process. Safety is our number one thing before curriculum, instruction, and anything else. Your parents want to send you to a school where they know they’re going to get you home in the evening. My number one job before anything else is to build that foundation and to make sure that people have no reservations about sendi n g their kids t o Northridge H i g h School because they are safe and secure, and they are going to get a world class education.”

Since he became principal, Ferguson has made it clear that he has no tolerance for school fights. One way that he has demon-

strated his views is by implementing a policy known as “3/30” - meaning, three days of suspension, and thirty days of In School Intervention (ISI). Ferguson takes school violence very seriously, and has safety as his main priority.

Participating in a fight on campus would be labeled a Class C misdemeanor by the Alabama State Law. According to an Alabama law firm called Bradford Lander, LLP, “Class C misdemeanors charges could result in jail sentences o f up to three months and fines of up to $500.”

While Ferguson is aware of those consequences, he is still going forward with the policy, because he believes that it is for the best.

“My whole goal is never punishment; it’s always prevention,” Ferguson said. “If what we have in place is not enough to make you think before you act, you don’t need to be here - you need to be somewhere else, in a more controlled environment. I’m not going to endanger students because I’ve got somebody on campus that just chooses to make poor decisions.”

Students might have concerns about the fairness of the policy; however, Ferguson does have what he thinks is a fair way to judge a violent situation.

“We look at each situation individually,” Ferguson said. “What we always look at is: Did you have an opportunity to share your concerns with an employee? Did you have an opportunity to walk away? Did you comply when you were directed to do so by school staff ? Did you instigate it? If you know you have a problem with somebody, and you chose not to be proactive and say, ‘Hey, Mr. Ferguson, you better do something because if you don’t we’re going to end up fighting,’ that’s all I need to hear.

You’re not going to be in trouble for telling me that. I’m gonna pat you on the back and say thank you.”

Pictures courtesy of biezumd.com and pinterest.com

THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2017

perspectives:

EXCITED

PLAYERS have been working for this win continuously since last season. “We start in the spring with spring training,” said junior middle linebacker John David Gardner. “In the summer we start working out and conditioning. Then in fall we put pads on and watch opponent film.” The game against County High, with it being a rival school and a home game, was different for players than last week’s game. “We get more angry when we lose,” senior wide receiver Cameron Crouse said. This week’s win gives players the motivation for a great rest of the season. “It’s definitely a confidence booster,” said quarterback Stevan Fairburn. Some players do not think the win will affect the student section. “I don’t think it’s going to have an impact because everybody is just going to be the same as they’ve always been - the fans at least,” Crouse said. “Maybe it’ll encourage more people from the community to come if they see we are a team worth watching.”

like “Uptown Funk”, “Livin’ on a Prayer”, “Rocky”, and “Apache”.

EUPHORIC

JAGUAR NATION The seniors line up on the rail and fly their flags. The signs of gameday’s return have arrived.

The student section is known for their hype during the game, but most students’ favorite part is before the game.

While students enjoy traditions that have been around for years, a new one has students excited. The week before the game there is a Snapchat group story made to talk trash and get students excited to go to the game. For some, the trash talk is the best part of the week. “My favorite part is talkin’ trash and paintin’ up,” Sean Risoldi, senior, said.

The first round of pregame traditions includes flying flags.

This year is the longest flag-line in Northridge history.

“Compared to last year when we had 15 or 20 flags, now we have 35 flags. We can wrap the parking lot now,” Wilbur Charles, senior, said. Observers have just as much fun.

“Watching the flags when everyone is together taking pictures is my favorite part,” Evans said. “Even people who don’t like each other are together for the same reason.”

Students show up early on game days to soak in all of the game day festivities. “I got to school at 6:04 a.m. because it’s game day,” Charles said. “I love the energy surrounding the atmosphere and my boys.” For some, dressing up for the theme can amplify student enthusiasm. “When we all dress up, it’s a way for us all to get excited,” said junior Brooke Hudson. “Everybody is dressed differently than we usually do.” The last of the traditions is pregame tailgating. “I like to go and hang out with my friends and paint up,” senior Lucy Rogers said. “It’s also a good time to get pictures.”

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Jaguar Football consists of more than just the players - cheerleaders, fans, and the band together create the Friday night lights atmosphere. Here, some of those students share their perspectives.

TRADITIONS during the game include seniors on the rail, celebrating a score, flag carriers, chants and making a tunnel for the players to run out of. This year an iconic piggy bank has made its way back onto the field with senior Tate Landry. “His name is Fisher Fisher Price,” he said. “He’s a tradition. When I was a freshman Graham Limbaugh had him, and before that Graham’s brother had him; he’s just kinda been handed down.” Before the game starts, the student section hops the rail to be next to the players as they run out. “It is fun, but my seat got snatched,” Stephens said. With the students on the field are the flag carriers and cheerleaders. “First of all, you’re kinda scared because you don’t get a warning of when they’re gonna come out, so you just have to be really alert and ready to take off,” Landry said. “Once you start running, your heart starts beating, and you kinda get chills just because you’re like ‘Yah! This is it! This is high school football right here!’ It’s pretty exciting.” When they return, seniors take their place at the coveted rail position. “We’ve been waiting three years, and it’s finally happening,” senior India Woods said. “It’s so much more exciting because you can see everything that is going on.” The rail is also used by the flag boys to stand on to get the student section more excited. “I feel like [the student section] responds more when someone from the ground comes running and jumps up and starts screaming,” Landry said. “I think it’s pretty cool to wave the flag in their face, too.” The flag carriers yell chants into the student section as well. “My favorite is the ‘I believe...’ chant,” he said.

CHEERLEADERS have a unique perspective of the game due to watching the students and fans rather than players. “We get to watch parts of the game because we like to watch, and we have to know which cheers to call,” Grace Evans, senior, said. “We’re on the ground, literally right there with them, so right before they score we run down and we are right there standing beside them. We’re basically on the field with them.” While Evans’ favorite part might be being on the field, she loves other aspects also. “I love being in front of the student section; it’s fun,” she said. The cheerleaders can tell what is happening in the game by the fans’ reactions even if they haven’t watched in a while. “We can tell what’s going on by the facial expressions - it’s cool,” Evans said.

BAND members have a special job for the game, especially the drum line: getting the student section hyped. This year they are doing this with the theme of “Living the Dream.” Consequently, all the songs that the band is playing have some relation to dreams, such as “Dreamgirls,” from the movie of the same name, “I Dreamed a Dream,” from “Les Miserables”, and Aerosmith’s “Dream On.” Most of the band members said their favorite of the three was “Dream On.” “For the halftime show, I would say ‘Dream On’ [is my favori t e song] because that’s when the music is the most intense and that’s the part that I feel the crowd will like the most,” said Jaeden Joyner, senior. While the band plays these songs at half time, they also play students’ favorites in the stands. These include old favorites, like “ESPN” and “Neck”. While the band plays old fan favorites, they have incorporated new songs

MAYCI HARTLEY AND ISAAC SMITH SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

FERGalicious

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S THE CLOCK ticks down its last 13 seconds, soldiers jump the barrier and are lining the field - ready to storm when the clock hits zero. The war between Northridge and County High came to an end on Sep. 1 with a score of 3114 Northridge. This defeat came after a week of trashtalk, traditional pranks, and a series of pregame traditions. Senior Daniel Allen said that rivalry week is “more exciting and the players are more nervous so we have to pump them up.” Seniors like Georgian McCullough and Jacob Stephens added to Allen’s enthusiasm, adding that the morning before the game is extremely important. “I think it’s a huge motivation for the football team because they see that they have the fans behind them and how excited we are to see them play,” McCullough said.

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After the big win against County High, the Jaguar Nation stormed the field. “It was fun because we got to see the football players and tell them, ‘good job,’” Rogers said.

Football season is a good time for people to come together. “Everyone is together. Even the people that don’t like each other are all together,” Evan said. “We’re all there for the same thing.”

CrAzY sTuPiD LiT Photo by Mayci Hartley

Photo from Will Hamm

OY SCOUT troops and venture crews from across the country attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree, including Northridge’s Wesley Moman. The Jamboree was held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia for the ten day event in July. About 45,000 boy scouts, staff, and ventures attended this year. The event takes place every four years and is the official home of the Jamboree. This is the second time it has been held at the Summit.

This program was for the Scouts and was tailored around various different activities. This included Adventure Area, Jamboree Trek, Messengers of Peace Day of Service, AT&T Summit Stadium, and Scott Summit Center. Participants can do aerial activities, rafting, archery, kayaking, rock climbing and much more.

The action packed and adventure-filled trip provided many entertaining activities. “They could do canopy tours, zip line, mountain bike, BMX, work on merit badges, and trade patches,” Moman said.

Moman worked for the Jamboree mountain biking staff. “I rode

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EMILY MATTHEWS OPINION EDITOR

West Virgina.

up with my parents about a week before the participants arrived, so the staff had time to set everything up,” Moman said.

The Boy Scouts of America and all of its troops are extremely involved in the community. “The Jamboree is a way for kids to get out of the house and try things they wouldn’t normally do at home,” Moman said.

The Jamboree was also given the opportunity to do projects in West Virginia. “The participants also had a day of service where they went out and did a service project for different organizations,” Moman said. “When I went as a participant in 2013, we repainted the outside of a church.”

This year President Donald Trump made an appearance along with Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and West Virginia Governor Jim Justice. Along with the guest speakers, the Plain White T’s performed at the AT&T Summit Stadium, drawing an end to the festivities along with a magnificent fireworks show. In 2019, the Summit Bechtel Reserve will hold the World Jamboree. “I plan to work the next World Jamboree, but I’m not sure I will do the next national Jamboree,” said Moman.

EAGLE STATUS President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson greet the 45,000 Boy Scouts in Summit Bechtel Reserve in

SCOUT’S HONOR Student attends National Boy Scout Jamboree

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THE NORTHRIDGE REPORTER SEPTEMBER 2017

JAGUAR NATION:

Photo from T-Town Photos

est. 2003

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OCTOBER 16, 2016 VOLUME 13 ISSUE 5